Devon

Devon is now in her 4th year as owner of Mini Motions Dance Center. Before that, she was the lead teacher, competition team director and studio manager for many years. From a young age, she always knew that she wanted to follow in her Moms footsteps and become the owner of the family dance studio. In her 20’s she dedicated her life to growing the studio programs and preparing for the future. In her early 30’s, she became the studio owner and created our competitive team. In a few short years, it grew from 8 to 40+ dancers. She has earned multiple national championships, choreography and entertainment awards including Best in Show, scholarships, and world championship invitations. Throughout this time, she has also worked to grow the dance program at her Alma Mater, the University of Toledo. She is now in her 12th season as Head Coach for the University of Toledo Dancing Rockettes.

She has 2 beautiful daughters following in her footsteps at the studio and has continued to nourish the family like atmosphere with the students and staff. She prides herself on having a loving relationship with all of her students and their families. Dance encourages all individuals, no matter their age, size, gender or race to learn to love their bodies and to be themselves, and be able to do so in a safe and artistic environment. This is something she tries to instill into the dancers every day.

Collyn

Ms. Collyn was raised in Toledo, Ohio, and began dancing at the age of two. She started with tap, jazz, lyrical, and ballet before expanding into hip-hop and contemporary. At 13, she entered the competitive dance world, continuing through high school. During those years, she had the opportunity to train under renowned choreographers and instructors, with a strong emphasis on tap, jazz, and contemporary. She went on to study dance for two years at Eastern Michigan University, where she further developed her training and skills. 

Ms. Collyn began choreographing at 18 and has been teaching dance for over 20 years, including several years dedicated to competitive dance. Some of her most cherished moments include coaching a varsity dance team to a state championship in hip-hop. She understands the importance of hard work, confidence, and embracing one’s unique talents. Her philosophy: It’s your time to shine—never be afraid to shine brightly.

Outside of dance, Collyn is a devoted wife and mother of four, a loving dog mom, and an avid gardener.

Payton

Ms. Payton has been teaching and assisting with classes at Mini Motions for 4 years, as well as dancing at the studio since she was a little girl. She has been a member of the competitive dance team for 5 years and she attends Toledo School for the Arts as a senior where she is furthering her knowledge in dance and choreography. Ms. Payton is often complimented on her stage presence and dedication to dance, and she instills that same drive in the students that she teaches and assists with. She teaches multiple styles including Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Tap as well as assisting with other genres and classes. 

Melissa

Ms. Melissa has been with Mini Motions her entire life, as she is Ms. Devon’s sister. Melissa was a high school cheerleader and has been dancing since she was born. She spent many years teaching classes for Mini Motions, ranging from beginner classes for 2-3 year olds all the way up to our more advanced teen classes. Melissa now helps with our competitive team at all events, assists with music for both recreational and competitive classes and events, and is Ms. Devon’s right hand man. She also has a daughter on the competition team.

Meghan

Ms. Meghan has been a dance teacher for 4 years. This is her 2nd year at Mini Motions and she is very excited to be a part of the team. Ms. Meghan grew up competing at a local dance studio for 6 years and assisted with the younger classes. She danced at Toledo School for the Arts where she became a student intern and knew she wanted to continue teaching. She is also currently a nursing student at the University of Toledo.

Erica

Ms. Erica is in her 2nd year of assisting and teaching at Mini Motions but has been in the dance industry for over 20 years. She grew up in New Jersey and was trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Modern starting at the age of 3. She competed in those genres for about 10 years. While competing with her local dance studio Ms. Erica was also a part of her high school dance program and started up their dance team. She then continued her dancing career at Costal Carolina University as a Chanticleer girl. This is where she learned pom and was able to add that to her list of genres she was trained in. She is excited to share her passion and knowledge of dance with the younger generation.